Boundaries & Brigands: James McCarthy & the Mapping of Siam

A look at the relationship between the science of mapping, the wielding of power, and the creation of borders in 19th-century SE Asia.

This lecture by Harold Meinheit focuses on the issue of border demarcation as Siam came under increasing colonial pressure in the late 19th century. By looking at the figure of James McCarthy, superintendent of Siam’s Royal Survey Department, and his efforts to map Siam, the lecture draws attention to the relationship between the science of mapping, the wielding of power, and the creation of borders. Accompanying the lecture will be a display of maps and books related to the mapping of Siam.

About the speaker: Harold E. Meinheit is a former Foreign Service officer of the U.S. State Department with extensive experience in Southeast Asia, and has devoted much of his time to research and writing on early maps of Southeast Asia.

Reservations encouraged but not required.

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